In order to understand the rich complexities of this land of pirates and plantations, Mardi Gras and magic, let your good times roll on down a few of Louisiana’s scenic byways. These routes ramble back in time within the state’s five geographic zones, yet revel in the here and now.
In the Pelican State’s northern Sportsman’s Paradise, the Bienville Trace Scenic Byway commemorates one of New Orleans’ founders, Sieur Bienville. This route wanders among rivers and bayous and weaves its way through cotton country. Touching, for example, the towns of Lake Providence, Ferriday and Monroe — home to the Louisiana Folklife Festival the second weekend in September — this byway boasts historical variety, including Ulysses S. Grant’s winter quarters and a Native American site in Poverty Point State Park that was buzzing when Ramses II ruled Egypt.
Just south, in the Crossroads section, the Colonial Trails Scenic Byway meanders among 10 parishes, connecting 100 historic sites and points of interest. In addition to visiting Louisiana’s oldest town, Natchitoches, and Winnfield, home to three state governors, including Huey and Earl Long, you can explore the area’s storied colonial heritage, its rivers and lakes, and its many Civil War locations.
Still farther south, Cajun Country serves up the travelers’ jambalaya that is the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. With fertile fields and sugar cane yields, historic towns and a Mardi Gras Museum, Franklin’s 400 national historic sites and Loreauville’s swamp tours, this spicy byway has a bit of everything thrown in, satisfying almost every taste.
The River Road Scenic Byway hopscotches the Big Muddy and brings together Plantation Country and Greater New Orleans. Baton Rouge, the state capital to the east, is the site of the only American Revolution battle fought outside the original 13 colonies. New Orleans — well, New Orleans needs no introduction, and never says goodnight. Call (800) 677-4082.
CARENCRO
Bayou Wilderness RV Resort
Facilities: Good gravel interior roads. Restrooms and showers; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; limited RV supplies; LP-gas. Sites: 120 total, full hookups (30/50 amps), gravel; 120 pull through (25×65); big-rig sites. Handicap access; central modem hookup; satellite TV. Recreation: Pond; freshwater fishing; tackle; pay-pool; spa; recreation hall; playground. Contact: 201 St. Clair, Carencro, Louisiana 70520; (337) 896-0598. A Good Sam Park.
COVINGTON
Land O’ Pines Family Campground
Facilities: Good gravel interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; RV supplies; LP-gas; firewood. Sites: 270 total; 150 available, hookups (30 amps), grass, mostly shaded; back-in (25×50); 60 tent sites; 25 rental units. Recreation: Simalusa River: freshwater fishing, swimming, tackle. Pool; horseshoes. Contact: 17145 Million Dollar Road Covington, Louisiana 70435; (985) 892-6023; lan [email protected]
INDEPENDENCE
Indian Creek Campground & RV Park
Facilities: Good gravel interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; mobile sewer service; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; RV supplies; LP-gas; firewood. Sites: 184 total, hookups (30 amps), 80 gravel, 104 grass mostly shaded; 18 pull-through (28×60); back-in (30×45); 50 tent sites; 7 rental units. Handicap access. Recreation: Natalbany River:freshwater fishing, tackle, boat rental;pool; adults room; horseshoes; recreation field; game room; playground. Contact: 53013 West Fontana Road, Independence, Louisiana 70443; (888) 716-4687. A Good Sam Park.
MARKSVILLE
Paragon RV Resort & Casino
Facilities: Good paved interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; limited RV supplies; food service. Sites: 186 total, full hookups (30/50 amps), paved, patios; 166 pull-through (40×75); back-in (40×75); big-rig sites; 50 rental units. Handicap access; central modem hookup. Recreation: Pool; shuffleboard. Contact: Highway 1, Marksville, Louisiana 71351; (800) 946-1946. A Good Sam Park.
ROBERT
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Facilities: Good paved/gravel interior roads, pet restrictions. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; RV supplies; LP-gas; firewood; food service. Sites: 216 total, hookups (30 amps), 30 paved, 163 gravel, 23 grass, patios, mostly shaded; 55 pull-through (30×60); back-in (30×50); some side-by-side hookups; 59 rental units. Handicap access; modem hookup in office. Recreation: Pond; freshwater fishing; tackle; boat rental; pool; horseshoes; recreation field; game room; planned activities. Contact: 46049 Highway 445 North, Robert, Louisiana 70455; (504) 542-1507.
SCOTT
Lafayette KOA
Facilities: Good paved interior roads. Restrooms and showers; dump station; security; public phone; laundry; groceries; RV supplies; LP-gas; firewood. Sites: 184 total, hookups (30/50 amps), paved, mostly shaded; 100 pull-through (24×60); back-in (24×50); big-rig sites; some side-by-side hookups; 10 tent sites; 16 rental units. Handicap access; central modem hookup; cable TV. Recreation: Pond: freshwater fishing; tackle; boat rental. Pool; recreation field; game room. Contact: 537 Apollo Road, Scott, Louisiana 70583; (800) 562-0809; www.koa.com
SULPHUR
Hidden Ponds RV Park
Facilities: Good gravel interior roads, no tents. Restrooms and showers; public phone; laundry. Sites: 168 total, full hookups (30/50 amps), paved; 88 pull-through (24×70); back-in (24×55); big-rig sites; 10 rental units. Handicap access; central modem hookup. Recreation: Pond: freshwater fishing, tackle. Recreation hall; recreation field. Contact: 1201 Ravia Road, Sulphur, Louisiana 70665; (800) 440-4709; [email protected]. A Good Sam Park.
For more campgrounds in Louisiana, visit www.tldirectory.com.
